Today’s hymn is a spiritual with many variations and no date of publication. “Hold on,” also called “Gospel Plow,” speaks of persevering in the faith, which doesn’t take fine theological acumen to do.

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61-62 ESV).

Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!

Noah, Noah, let me come in,
Doors all fastened and the windows pinned,
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!
Noah said, “You done lost your track,
Can’t plow straight and keep a-lookin’ back,”
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!

Hold on! Hold on! Hold on!
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!

If you wanna get to Heaven,
let me tell you how:
Just keep your hand on the gospel plow,
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!
If that plow stays in your hand,
It’ll land you into the promised land!
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!

Mary had a golden chain,
Every link spelled with Jesus’ name.
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!
Keep on climbing and don’t you tire
Every rung goes higher and higher
Keep your hand on that plow,
Hold on! Hold on!

Here’s a faster version from the great Mahalia Jackson.